PERSONAL SAFETY

Strict rules and rigorous Government campaigns are regularly imposed on the public and some may appear unnecessarily restricting to individual freedom. However, many Singaporeans regard them simply as national needs drawn up by the Government. Singapore therefore is one of the safest countries in the world as the crime rate is negligible. However we advise you to take normal precautions and stay on the right side of the law.

The best precautions that one can take against 'mugged' or becoming an unsuspecting victim of robbery in Singapore have to do with using simple common sense.

• Avoid traveling alone after dark in subways, downtown districts, parks, empty streets and decaying neighborhoods. Any area that looks seedy, is littered with trash and broken bottles and has idle people hanging around street corners, is probably unsafe.
• When in and around airports, train and bus terminals and entrances to subway stations, or on empty pavements and staircases always avoid standing around and looking lost.
• Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket.
• Always keep an eye on your luggage at airports and stations and do not leave bags unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Be careful of beggars and homeless people. Ignore them as far as possible.
• Avoid dark, lonely places if you do not have car.
• Find out from friends which areas of town to avoid.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Measurements are done in the old British Metric system, so you shouldn't have any problems.

ELECTRICAL FITTINGS

Singapore is on a 220-240 voltage and 50 cycles system. Take transformers to step up electrical appliances to the suitable voltage.

WEATHER

Hot and humid year-round, Singapore's temperature almost never drops below 20°C (68°F), even at night, and usually climbs to 30°C (86°F) during the day. Humidity is high, hovering around the 75% mark. Singapore is wettest from November to January and at its driest from May to July - the difference between the two, however, is slight. And due to Singapore's proximity to the equator, it receives a steady diet of sunshine all year.

LANGUAGE

There are four official languages in Singapore. Malay is the national language, Mandarin the language of the majority group, Tamil, the language of 60% if Singapore's Indians and English, the language of business and administration.

Although English is spoken excellently a local patois is also used much of which would be unintelligible to most English speakers. This is referred to as "Singlish" an amalgam of English, various Chinese dialects and Malay. It is not grammatical and is spoken in a sing-song accent, the voice lifting at the end of group words. In a country as small and diverse as Singapore similarities rather than differences within groups need to be emphasised. So, a link among various groups was forged by the adoption of Mandarin, the language of China. Mandarin is taught in schools , used on Television and radio and is now spoken increasingly by Singaporeans.

Nonverbals: Nonverbals, the 'silent' or 'body' language, form an important part of first impressions you create. The first few minutes in any interaction are vital. That's all it takes to make up your mind About Singapore someone.

• Nonverbals include your posture, gestures, body movements, and facial expressions. Make sure that your nonverbals and what you are saying are in agreement.
• You convey messages all the time through your nonverbals and if you're not aware, you can give a wrong impression. Fiddling with your tie or shuffling loose change in your pocket is distracting and makes you seem nervous.
• Be aware of what you are doing, and with practice, you will be able to project a positive image.

LITTERING

Singapore has something else to boast About Singapore. It is clean and green and this image is the result of more than two decades of public education campaigns and strict laws against littering. Much pain has been taken by the Government not only to keep it that way but also to inculcate civic-conscious habits in its citizens. Litter bins dot the island at short distance intervals so it inexcusable to drop litter (be it a bus ticket, a cigarette butt or a sweet wrapper) anywhere else and if you do, it's a fine of up to S$1,000 fine for first offenders, and up to S$2,000 fine and a stint of corrective work cleaning a public place for repeat offenders.

CHEWING GUM

As an extension of the law against littering, the import, sale and possession of chewing gum is prohibited. You will be asked if you are carrying any when you arrive in Singapore. The high costs and difficulty in removing indiscriminately discarded chewing gum were the reasons for the prohibition.

DRUG ABUSE

The death penalty is mandatory for those convicted of trafficking, manufacturing, importing or exporting more than 15g of heroin, 30g of morphine, 30g of cocaine, 500g of cannabis, 200g of cannabis resin and 1.2kg of opium. Possession of such quantities is deemed as prima facie evidence of trafficking. For unauthorized consumption, there is a maximum of 10 years imprisonment or fine of $20,000, or both.